The Imposing Challenge of Rebuilding Gaza: Insights on Damage and Recovery

Fri Oct 17 2025 08:54:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the dust settles in Gaza after the recent conflict, the challenges of reconstruction loom larger than ever. Experts estimate damages exceeding $70 billion, with debris complicating recovery efforts. This article explores the extent of destruction and the daunting task of rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and essential services.

Following the ceasefire in Gaza, returning residents face a monumental challenge in rebuilding their lives amid widespread devastation. An estimated $70 billion in damages, extensive rubble containing hazardous materials, and destruction to critical services leave experts warning that recovery will take years, if not decades. Key areas of focus include clearing debris, restoring water and power systems, and rebuilding housing and schools, all of which are crucial for a return to normalcy.

The Imposing Challenge of Rebuilding Gaza: Insights on Damage and Recovery

As thousands of Gazans made the journey back to their neighbourhoods following the ceasefire, many of them already knew their homes were in ruins.

The prospect of rebuilding homes, businesses, and all the institutions necessary for a return to normal life in Gaza is daunting. The UN estimates that the damage amounts to $70 billion.

As Professor Andreas Krieg from King's College London stated: It's worse than starting from scratch - here you aren’t starting in the sand, you are starting with rubble. The level of destruction is alarming, with approximately 84% of the Gaza Strip impacted, including up to 92% in Gaza City.

Recent satellite data reveals over 60 million tonnes of debris scattered throughout Gaza, obstructing any post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

Clearing the rubble

The myriad tonnes of debris are more than mere concrete; they include human remains and unexploded bombs. Safety must be a priority in the cleanup and reconstruction, requiring the sorting and removal of hazardous materials before any reconstruction can begin.

From a safety and humane perspective, the first thing you have to do is make the sites that have been bombed-out safe, advises former JCB executive Philip Bouverat. He emphasizes the need for building a deep-water port to facilitate the import of necessary construction materials.

Water and sewerage

Clean water is an immediate necessity for Gazans, as over 70% of water and sanitation facilities have been damaged or destroyed since October 7, 2023. Damage to wastewater treatment plants is a critical concern for public health.

We are talking about damaged water wells, networks, reservoirs, and carrier lines. To return services to the population, we need at least $50 million, says Maher Najjar from the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility.

Housing

The destruction extends beyond water and sewage systems, with the UN estimating that 282,904 houses and apartments across Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. Recovery of the housing sector could take decades if lessons from past conflicts aren’t applied, as highlighted by researchers.

Power

Electricity supply, already strained before the conflict, faced catastrophic damage with the war, leading to widespread blackouts and severe damage to power generation facilities. Estimates indicate over 80% of power generation assets have been destroyed.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector has not been spared, with over 82% of crops and 97% of tree crops likely damaged due to the war, leading to severe food insecurity in the region.

Education

Rebuilding schools is essential for restoring normal life, especially since about half of Gaza’s population is under 18. With 91.8% of school buildings requiring significant repairs to function again, the challenges ahead are substantial.

Overall, a multilateral approach involving urgent humanitarian needs, rebuilding essential services, and active participation from international stakeholders will be crucial to leading Gaza towards recovery.